Air Canada flights canceled as of Thursday: Here are your options if the labor dispute affects your travel

The Air Canada work stoppage, which begins Saturday, will have a major impact on the travel plans of many Quebecers, as some may not be able to find an alternative immediately.

• Also read: Air Canada: Flight attendants start strike on Saturday

The airline, which responded to the union's strike notice with a lockout notice Wednesday morning, says it will begin canceling flights as early as Thursday with a view to "a complete cessation of Air Canada and Air Canada rouge flights on August 16."

Full refunds will be offered to customers affected by these cancellations and agreements have been made with other carriers to offer alternative travel options.

"Customers will be notified of other travel options available to them," Air Canada said on its website.

However, the high traffic at the country's airports means that many travelers may not be able to access alternatives immediately.

"Given that other carriers are already very busy due to the summer peak period, securing such capacity will take time and, in many cases, will not be immediately possible," the airline said.

A flexible booking change policy will also be in place for all customers, it is assured.

Trips may therefore be cancelled, modified or delayed without additional costs.

Travelers will therefore need to remain attentive to the status of their flight and be proactive in taking advantage of the flexibility of their booking to ensure their air transport to their destination.

The duration of the work stoppage remains unknown.

The flight attendants are demanding an end to unpaid work and a "real pay rise that takes into account the cost of living."

Air Canada says it has proposed a 38% increase in overall compensation over four years.

The union held silent protests at several airports across the country on Monday before submitting their strike notice overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.

The employer immediately responded with a notice of lockout.

An arbitration proposal was also rejected by the union on Tuesday.